Robotic AI Voices Replace Family Calls Amid Iran-Israel Conflict
In the wake of recent airstrikes by Israel targeting key sites in Iran, many Iranians living abroad have found it nearly impossible to connect with their families back home. Instead of hearing familiar voices, they are confronted with unsettling and sometimes strangely soothing robotic AI messages answering their calls.
Communication Blackout Fuels Anxiety Among Diaspora
The ongoing tensions have led to a widespread internet and telephone blackout imposed by Iranian authorities. As a result, relatives outside Iran are left anxious, desperate for any news amid the silence. One British-Iranian woman recounted her shock when calling her mother in Tehran, only to be answered by a robotic female voice that asked in broken English, "Who you want to speak with? I'm Alyssia. Do you remember me? I think I don't know who are you." Similar experiences have been reported by multiple callers in the UK and the US.
Eerie Yet Comforting AI Messages
The AI responses vary in tone — some come across as eerie, while others offer strangely comforting messages. One such message urged listeners to reflect on life's unexpected surprises, suggesting that challenges sometimes bring joy. Another invited callers to imagine peaceful landscapes, like forests and seashores, contrasting sharply with the turmoil in Iran.
Possible Government Tactics Behind the Audio Diversions
Cybersecurity experts speculate these AI distractions might be deliberate moves by the Iranian government, aiming either to prevent hacking attempts or to sow confusion among those trying to communicate. Earlier during the conflict, mass text and voice alerts were sent to citizens, warning them to prepare for emergencies. Oversight of the country’s phone systems falls under the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology, with intelligence agencies reportedly monitoring conversations closely. Given the scale of the operation, it's believed that only the government could manage such extensive voice diversions.
Alternative Theories Suggest Larger Geopolitical Maneuvers
Some analysts also consider the possibility that these AI voice messages could be linked to Israeli operations, noting similarities with tactics previously used in Lebanon and Gaza conflict zones.
The Human Cost: Helplessness and Disconnection
For Iranians abroad, these strange robotic voices deepen the sense of helplessness and disconnection during a crisis. One Italian-based Iranian expressed the emotional toll, saying the experience only reinforces feelings of isolation and worry for loved ones trapped in the conflict.
Starlink’s Limited Reach Amid Crackdown
Recently, Elon Musk announced that his satellite internet service, Starlink, has been activated in Iran. Although it remains illegal, some Iranians have managed to access the internet through this channel. However, authorities continue to crack down on satellite dish usage and urge citizens to report neighbors suspected of espionage. Despite these challenges, these illicit communication methods offer a rare lifeline to international news and connection for some inside Iran.
Summary
As the Iran-Israel conflict evolves, the communication blackout has forced Iranians abroad to face an unusual digital barrier—AI voices replacing human interactions. Whether a government strategy or a wider intelligence operation, the robotic messages underscore the emotional strain and uncertain realities faced during wartime disruptions.
